ACCORDING to the Jambos it the best uptake of tickets in eight years and owener Ann Budge hailed the "superb" response from fans.

HEARTS owner Ann Budge has paid tribute to the Jambos fans after 5000 season tickets were snapped up within a week of going on sale.

The Tynecastle club are preparing for life in the second tier having failed to stave off relegation following a 15 point penalty for going into administration.

But supporters have shown their commitment to the club just weeks after they formally came out of administration by snapping up new season books.

According to the club it’s the best response in eight years - since the club were basking in the 2006 Scottish Cup glory.

Budge said: "Sales volumes during the first week have exceeded all expectations. To break through the 5000 mark in such a short space of time is, quite simply, superb.

"This is the beginning of an exciting journey for everyone at the club and it is fantastic to see so many fans joining the revival.

"We asked the supporters, where possible, to use cash or cheque to pay for their tickets and to have so many doing so is very much appreciated. This is, truly, a great help to the club and I can't thank them enough.”

Budge said: of that match: “During negotiations we have done our very best to ensure as many as possible of their first team squad will be present, so both the game and the training session on the previous evening should offer lots of opportunity for old and young alike to see some of the world's most acclaimed players at Tynecastle.”